To start off the fest, we’re going to tackle the issue of those who aren’t in our community. How do you broach the subject of being a writer to other people who aren’t authors?

This week, be it good or bad, funny or sad, share with us the best response you’ve heard when you’ve told someone you’re a writer. Also, tell us, do you tell other people that you’re a writer?

Slowly but surely I've become comfortable with sharing my writer-ness with the world. Or maybe the world has just become more comfortable with me sharing...

When I decided to write a book, I took my laptop everywhere. I even remember typing in KFC during a lunch stop on a road trip to Vegas. My friends thought I was nuts.
"You're bringing your laptop into KFC?" they said with raised eyebrows.
I guess they didn't think I was serious...haha.

I kept up the writing no matter how crazy my friends and family thought I was. To this day my mother-in-law and I still laugh about this story...

It was a beautiful memorial day weekend. Sun shining. Everyone was in the pool. The BBQ was sending wafts of grilled chicken across the backyard, and I was in my sweats, sprawled out on the floor, spending some good quality time with my computer.

"Jessica," she said, a little irritated. "Get outside. You need sun."
"I'm writing," I answered. "I can't stop or I'll forget."
She sighed. "You look like a pajama rat. It's three o'clock!"
"Maybe I'll go out in a little while." I didn't though...I stayed in my sweats and kept writing.

She admits she was a little worried. Was this pale pajama-loving hermit going to marry her son? My behavior just wasn't normal for a twenty-five year old.

We joke about it now, because as it turns out, all that hard work turned into a publishing deal with ZOVA Books. The pajama rat delivered.

It's hard for people to understand what it takes to write a novel. At first they'll think you're a little weird, they won't take you seriously, but rest assured, when it all pays off, it feels good to call yourself a writer.

Feel free to add a link to your Warm Fuzzies Blog Fest post in the comments. How have people reacted to your writing habits? Have you had any strange responses after telling someone you're a writer?

13 comments:

Pajama rat--love it! We had a guy staying with us for a few weeks to help my husband drive truck in the harvest, and he'd come home at night and be like, "You're getting on the computer AGAIN?" I was like, duh, this is what I do!! Non-writers totally don't get it. My husband is awesome, very patient, and I do try and portion out my time so the computer isn't the only thing I focus on. But I love that you brought your laptop into KFC, haha!

Wonderful story. Very cute! I've had mixed responses from friends & family - some positive, others negative. I try not to let their comments influence me one way or the other. Most of them don't exactly get what I write about since its paranormal romance/urban fantasy/dark lit. Oh well! :)

I've received strange reactions when telling people I'm a writer, anything from put-downs to requests for favors. Even though it's no secret that I write, I tend to avoid the topic of writing with random strangers and co-workers.

This is a great story. I love the pajama rat part. It's okay to be a pajama rat once you become a published pajama rat. I recently took a leave of absence from my law practice to edit my first novel and begin the dreaded query letter process. I am becoming more and more of a pajama rat each day. I think I should start getting dressed like I am going to the office when I write from home, but I am so comfortable in my p.j. bottoms or my sweats. When I am comfortable I get more writing accomplished.

Just found you with the Warm Fuzzies Fest. I loved this post. I have played with the idea of writing for a long time, but have really just committed to it. Thank you for this. Helps me remember that though it will be a long tunnel, there is a light at the end of it. New follower :)

For the most part I've had positive reactions when I tell people I write. They want to know what kind of book I'm writing, if I've been published, and the most interesting question ~ how do I come up with all of my ideas.

Um, I'm a writer? I have an over-active imagination? I play pretend on paper? I buy them on ebay?

Only once did someone scoff at me when I said I was unpublished. Apparently to be a true writer (for him), you had to be published.

Congrats Jessica! You're a real writer!! At least to that guy now you are. You were always a true writer to me. ; )

I am enjoying meeting all the fellow writers on the Warm Fuzzies Blogfest - so many funny anecdotes. I totally relate to the pajama rat problem - once you start writing it is totally absorbing.

My family is currently into buying themed 'onesies' (one piece fleecy garments a bit like a baby rompersuit but for adults!) - we have an Elvis and a pink piggy and a camouflage style. These are very cosy as the weather cools so now everyone is a pajama rat!

About Me

Hi! Welcome to my blog!
I’m the author of the YA paranormal series, CHILDREN OF THE GODS & a new YA Contemporary fiction called CARRY ME HOME.
I have two boys (ages 2 & 4) which has done wonders for my sound effect skills. I'm now an expert at missile launching & explosion noises...Also, I'm pretty decent at wielding a lightsaber and building lego ships. So be prepared for some kid blogging in between the book updates. My days are spent taking care of munchkins, writing, and running Acorn Publishing, most likely in my pajamas.
Email me at therrien.jessica@gmail.com
Or visit my websites
www.JessicaTherrienBooks.com
www.AcornPublishingLLC.com